Nationwide lockdown ending in federal prisons

A nationwide lockdown of federal prisons that went into effect early last week due to violence at a Texas facility is coming to an end.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons said in a statement to The Hill that it will “return select facilities to the appropriate modified operational status.” 

“[T]he decision to secure all Bureau of Prisons (BOP) institutions was intended to be a short term measure made in an abundance of caution to ensure safety and security within our facilities,” the agency stated.

“On Monday, February 7, 2022, after gathering and monitoring intelligence, the BOP made a determination to return select facilities to the appropriate modified operational status,” it added. “As part of a tiered response, additional facilities will return to the appropriate operational status as intelligence permits.”

An official told The Washington Post, which first reported that the lockdown was lifting, that 30 facilities will come out of lockdown first and restrictions at other facilities will be reduced after it is determined to be safe.

The federal prison system went into lockdown on Jan. 31 after two inmates were killed and two others were injured at a Texas facility in an incident reportedly involving gang members.

The agency imposed a nationwide lockdown amid fears that violence could break out at other facilities due to retaliation over those killed in the gang fight, the Post noted.

Officials told the newspaper that the restrictions were necessary because gangs involved in the altercation are believed to have a presence in most U.S. prisons.

“The BOP appreciates the cooperation and assistance of everyone involved in maintaining the secure and orderly running of our institutions and ensuring the continued safety of staff, inmates, and the public,” the agency said in its statement.  

–Updated at 11:13 a.m.